The collapsed building at 78-19 Jamaica Avenue in our Woodhaven Business Improvement District is going to come down!

As you know, my mantra has always been “tear it down” and now it will become a reality. The owner of this building did not attend the court appearance on April 10, so the case was transferred to Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) for demolition.

The HPD will now check the building for asbestos. If none has been found they will proceed with demolition by May. If asbestos is found, this may delay the demolition.

It has now been over one year that this building came down with a thunderous thud that shook Woodhaven's Jamaica Avenue. One of my WBID guys John happened to be on the Avenue and went straight to the site. That is when he called to tell us the building had collapsed, the heavy concrete and bricks were all over the street below, and it appeared that no one was hurt. Then, all you could hear were sirens and fire engines heading for 78-19 Jamaica Avenue.

Our WBID wishes to thank State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Assemblyman Michael Miller, Council members Elizabeth Crowley and Eric Ulrich and the WRBA. Also, our Mayor William de Blasio and the Buildings Department.

Wouldn’t it be great to see senior citizen housing built on this site. Think about it?

It was a beautiful day on Saturday April 12, for our WBID Spring Promotion. This day was more like summer than spring and we loved it. Our WBID team was out on the avenue and many children could be spotted walking with bunny and other designs on their little faces holding brightly colored balloons.

Also, parking drivers were accepting free quarters, and a flyer from WBID aides stating that the first 15 minutes of parking was on the WBID and thank you for shopping Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue.

Our handsome fluffy white Easter bunny took many pictures with smiling children. Free pictures were taken at Forest Parkway Plaza. The musical group Plastic Soul warmed up our shoppers with their toe-tapping songs. It was a beautiful warm fun day.

The shopping on our Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue, “The Everything Avenue,” is brisk. Our avenue has such bargains and so many choices. The prices are also very reasonable, especially for New York City, with our high cost of living. So spend your money in your community.

Mark your calendars for our “Spring Is Here” Dinner Dance on Friday June 6. Only $65 a ticket. This is an important fundraiser for the GWDC. Please call our office for more information and to reserve tickets at (718) 805-0202.

At this holy and joyous time, may we wish you and your families a Happy Easter and a Joyful Passover. May God bless our leaders, may God bless our armed forces and coalition forces, and may God bless America.